Kobe vs. LeBron: The Final Showdown

June 15, 2010 |4 Comments| by skip

Throughout the 2009-10 NBA season, the names Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were on the tip of everyone’s tongue after just about every game. Now, with number twenty-four two games away from yet another title and Cleveland’s savior on the verge of a summer that could change the NBA as we know it, the time has come to settle one of the greatest questions in all of sports. Who is better, Kobe or LeBron? I have decided to use a point system based on four categories which will ultimately led to the verdict we have all been waiting for. While I am definitely a L.J. fan, I will be completely fair in my ruling. This I promise you. Hit the jump to get started.

Winning

Before you jump on the Kobe bandwagon, let’s take our time and examine what it means to win. While racking up NBA championships is obviously the most important characteristic of what it means to win, there’s a lot more to it. During the 2002-03 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers boosted a .207 winning percentage, last in the league. After James was drafted, the Cavs made the playoffs only two seasons later as LeBron was named to the All-NBA First Team. The Cavaliers have had the best regular season record the past two seasons but, as we all know, when it gets down to those final sixteen teams, it’s a whole new ball game. It’s where the man we know as Kobe Bryant shines in his yellow and purple. You can argue that he’s had a better supporting cast and a Hall of Fame coach, but at the end of the day, nobody matches his intensity come playoff time. The man is in his own zone, hence the four rings. The shooting guard gets this one.

LeBron: 6/10

Kobe: 10/10

The “Wow” Factor

Let’s watch some film, shall we? Go ahead LeBron…

OK, we get it haha. Now give Kobe a chance.

‘Nuff said. This is definitely a close call. Both players are without a doubt the top two in the game and they both deliver when it comes to the “wow” factor. The difference is, Kobe relies on finesse to get the job done. The shot, the ball control. Bron-Bron however is a monster, a beast, an animal. He can make the crowd stand every time he touches the ball while Kobe often makes magic during crunch time. The Akron native gets this one.

LeBron: 10/10

Kobe: 9/10

Legend In The Making

These guys are without a doubt filthy at their day jobs. The Jay-Z and Drake of basketball. The man with the stacked resume and the man just beginning to write his. LeBron James was a number one pick, won NBA Rookie of The Year, is a two-time MVP, and has been a member of the All-NBA First Team since 2005. Oh yea, he’s only twenty-five. Kobe Bryant is a four-time NBA champion, has been on the All-Star Team twelve times, won an MVP award in 2008, and even won the slam dunk contest back when he was rockin’ the mini-fro. This one is the hardest of them all so far but the one major thing separating both players is their age. At best, Bryant has another three great years. James probably has around nine. This one is tough.

LeBron: 10/10

Kobe: 9.5/10

Off The Court

The commercials, sneakers, and jersey sales are hard to compare as they are both rich as hell and a lot of that stuff is pretty much based on opinion. Their impact on pop culture is what needs to be explored to pick a winner this time around. “More Than A Game,” LeBron’s movie based on his high school days was released last year and was accompanied by Drake’s smash hit “Forever” featuring Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, and Eminem. Bron is also great friends with rapper Jay-Z and enjoys dancing. A lot.

Kobe… Umm, Kobe… Wasn’t he accused of sexual assault once?

LeBron: 7/10

Kobe: 4/10

Final Thoughts

These are some bad men. I was gonna do an “Other” section but I don’t know much more other than what they do on the court. People love LeBron and people love Kobe. I happen to hate the latter but without a doubt respect what he’s done throughout his career. I’m looking forward to the rest of the NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics. It’s been wonderful so far and we couldn’t ask for more as fans of the sport. This summer is also gonna be crazy. With LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson, Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, and tons of other marque players becoming free agents, expect a lot of changes. As a Nets fan, nothing but good can happen so I’m certainly excited. As far as the LeBron vs. Kobe showdown goes, check out the final score below!

LeBron: 33/40

Kobe: 32.5/40

Holy crap haha. I swear I didn’t mean for it to be that close. LEBRON WINS!!!